They're not exactly quaking in their boots at the prospect of mortgages from the People's Bank.

Wizard Financial Services has just opened its fourth New Zealand branch office, on Auckland's North Shore, and is close to finalising other branches in Auckland and Wellington.

The future of the Waltus Property Trust is under review, now that Waltus Property Investments is up and running.

Mortgage rates have been tumbling in recent days, with many lenders cutting their short-term rates late last week and early this.

While the improving economy and higher income levels should boost rents in 2001, it's unlikely to be a year of major rent hikes.

Concerns are being expressed about the rights of small investors, after a Court of Appeal decision on the roll-up of several property syndicates into one company.

Real estate and legal combo REAL is looking to unwind its national network after problems attracting market share.

The latest picks for interest rates, and what's happening in residential property.

Not being able to prove your income is one of the major hold-ups to quick loan approval, says Cairns Lockie.

The Reserve Bank left the Official Cash Rate alone at this morning's review, in spite of greater inflationary pressures but in line with most expectations given easing global growth.

The Banking Ombudsman deals with many complaints about mortgage finance each year. Ann Cunninghame looks at some of the complaints and shows you what you want to avoid.

To help you deal better with your mortgage lender Ann Cunninghame checks out some of the more thorny cases the Banking Ombudsman has had to deal with recently.

Honeymoon, or low-start mortgages, may look good at first glimpse, but Ann Cunninghame says it's worth checking the deal over the long-term before signing up.

Residential rents have remained unchanged for the last two years, with the national median rent stuck at $190 a week.

The prospect of a hike in the cash rate next month is helping to increase the gap between short and long-term interest rates.

The switch back to income-related rents on state housing will pin back CPI inflation early next year, but it's still not clear how much impact it's going to have on the property market.